For 400 years, the bells of Chideock church have heralded every major event, from the end of the war, to the Coronation, and from welcoming in the New Year to the celebrations of a wedding.
Sadly, we are faced with an end to this joyous sound, as 400 years of ringing has rendered the bell frame unsafe.
St Giles Bells
Urgent works are needed which involve removing the bells, and the frame (which is made of oak), disposing of the frame and replacing it with a new steel frame. The bells need to be taken away and re-tuned and be fitted with new modern fittings.
The total cost for this work will be approximately £70,000. Our fund raising efforts to date have reached this amazing total together with grant dunding we have been awarded.
We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the whole village and the magnificent amount of monies raised so far. We wish to say a big ‘thank you’ to everyone who has supported us in reaching our target so the ‘bells can ring out loud and clear’ to future generations.
St Giles Bells
Chideock Cidermakers have chosen the bells as their 2011 charity.
We are sure everyone has received the Chideock Church Bells leaflet explaining ways to donate but if you have not received a leaflet please contact Mrs V Cowell (churchwarden and secretary) of Longwood, Chideock Hill, Chideock, DT6 6JW.
Please continue to support all the events, plan your own event or make a private donation to ensure the survival of the ‘sound of the bells’.